The Academy Is… at 9:30 Club
After only releasing its first full length album in February 2005, The Academy Is- is back to headline its second major tour with popular opening acts Panic! At the Disco, Acceptance and Hellogoodbye. The Academy Is-will be playing at 9:30 Club on Sunday February 12.
The Academy Is-has an alternative punk, indie — pop sound that is easy to get hooked on. You could describe the band’s music as a cross between Third Eye Blind and Foo Fighters, however with stronger cords and more melodic vocals. This five piece melodic rock band creates fast paced, catchy songs with irresistible, bitter lyrics accompanied by heavy power cords. Opening for major bands like Fall Out Boy and Motion City Soundtrack has created The Academy is- to develop a large fan base, which is accredited to the clear and energetic live sound that they produce.
Originally, William Becket, frontman vocalist, and Mike Carden, guitarist, started off in rival bands in the Chicago music scene until both realized that their musical interests and goals were pointing in the same direction. In 2002, Becket and Carden came together with Adam Siska, bassist, Tom Conrad, guitarist, and Andy Bishop Mrotek, drums, to begin recording under the name The Academy Is- Initially they were signed to LLR Records, where they recorded an LP, The Academy Is-was quickly picked up by Fueled By Raman when Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy convinced his label to sign them.
On February 21, The Academy Is- is releasing a digital EP From the Carpet exclusively on iTunes. The new six track acoustic EP will feature three brand new recordings and three new recordings of songs from Almost Here. After The Academy Is- finishes up its tour in late March in the hometown of Chicago, they are tentatively scheduled to start recording the group’s second full length album. Fans should expect this album in early 2007.
The Academy Is-performs Sunday at the 9:30 Club in Washington. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; tickets are $12.50. For more information, call (202) 393-0930.
– By Amanda Munsie
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack at the Recher Theatre
In the late ’90s, rock radio featured a boom in alternative/modern rock bands. Jimmie’s Chicken Shack was there for the ride, especially in the Baltimore/Washington area. The band most famous for the radio mainstay “Do Right” is still recording and playing live music.
It’s been almost seven years and several lineup changes since Jimmie’s Chicken Shack was last relevant to the mainstream, but the Annapolis-based band is still kicking after 13 years. It took five years for Jimi Haha and his band to record a follow up to 1999’s smash Bring Your Own Stereo, releasing re.present in 2004. The album featured collaborations with Aaron Lewis of Staind, Everclear’s Art Alexakis and Butch Walker.
The group’s current incarnation features Jerome Maffeo on drums, Matt Jones on guitar and Christian Valentine on bass all backing founding frontman Haha. Musically, the Shack is a combination of punk, ska, metal, funk and rock.
While they may not be the same band that recorded Bring Your Own Stereo, the band still sounds as tight as ever, even more refined than in the past. While some of Haha’s lyrics have moved into slightly darker territory, the band still likes to have fun while playing live. “Do Right” is still a staple, but they keep it fresh by tagging covers at the end such as “Smoke Two Joints” by Sublime and “One Love” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack performs tonight at the Recher Theatre in Towson. Doors open at 8 p.m. with Soapbox Soldier and Ashes Remain serving opening duties. Tickets are $12 for 21 and up, $15 for those under 21. For more information call (410) 337-7178.
– By Rudi Greenberg
Wu-Tang Clan at Sonar Lounge and 9:30 Club
In the world of rap there have been famous feuds and there have been famous collaborations, but in the month of February there will be one epic reunion: The Wu-Tang Clan is back.
The seminal, yet erratic Staten Island, N.Y., hip-hoppers who’ve brought only intermittent ruckus since their legendary 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) might not be here for long, so catch them while they are. You might never have another chance.
The first tour for the Wu since the drug-related death of founding member Ol’ Dirty Bastard in November 2004 has the now eight-rapper collective hitting major cities up and down the East Coast, and we’re lucky enough to get three performances.
While Wu-Tang hasn’t performed together since 2004 and hasn’t released a record of all-new music since 2001, the group has still been making headlines due to several members’ high-profile solo projects.
The most notable success of the Wu-Tang offshoots is Ghostface Killah, whose 2004 release The Pretty Toney Album scored rave reviews. Ghostface’s latest, Fishscale, is due later this month with plans for a tour already set.
While the RZA’s solo outings haven’t earned as high marks, he has been rewarded for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino on the two Kill Bill soundtracks, the latter of which earned a Grammy nomination. RZA produced original songs for both albums and helped compile the remaining music.
Method Man, without a leading role in the music world, has found a spot in Hollywood in recent years. Meth starred with fellow Wu-Tang member Redman in How High, took off in Soul Plane and made numerous guest appearances on HBO dramas The Wire and Oz. Other Wu-Tang members have not been as busy outside the collective. Inspectah Deck, U-God and Masta Killa have each released only one album since 2001’s Iron Flag, Wu-Tang’s latest original album, mainly to mixed reviews.
Solo work aside, the time for the group is now. If they’re all in attendance, expect a fiery, energetic performance of hip-hop classics. If they confirm their reputation for combustibility and lack of practice, it could be a mess.
Don’t miss out on your three chances to catch the Wu-Tang Clan in the coming days: at Baltimore’s Sonar Lounge on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m., or Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13. Tickets for all shows are $50. Cappadona, Streetlife and Mathematics also perform.
– By Zak Garner
